Sealant defends granite counters from stains

DEAR HELOISE: Help! I just had granite countertops installed in the kitchen, and I am getting conflicting reports about how to care for them. Is there a reasonably priced way to keep granite in pristine condition? — Mary R., via email

Great question, and one I am sure many people have! The first thing to do when you purchase new granite countertops is to have them sealed. Granite is porous, so liquids can penetrate it and cause stains. The sealant is your first line of defense.

If you do spill something on your countertop, wipe it up immediately! Don’t wait even a minute. Warm water with a drop of dishwashing soap is all you need to do daily cleaning. Wiping down your counters a few times a week will help keep them looking great for years.

Do not put hot pots or pans directly on your countertops. And be careful with commercial cleaners. Some have acidic ingredients, which can etch the stone. Also, no citric-based cleaners, such as lemon or orange. And no vinegar, either.

Treat your counters with care and have them resealed periodically, and they will be sure to last! — Heloise

DEAR READERS: Use plastic breath-mint boxes to carry:

■ extra bobby pins

■ extra earring backs and buttons

■ spare change.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: I am taking a medication that has to be refrigerated, so it is delivered in insulated foam boxes every three months. I do not know what to do with the boxes, which are quite sturdy but not very big inside. I keep one in my car and add a cold pack if I need to pick up something cold at the market. I hate to throw them out. Can any of your readers suggest some uses for them? — M.L. in Florida

OK, readers, what do you think? Have any great uses for insulated foam boxes? I would love to hear them. Send a letter to Heloise/Foam Boxes at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Or send an email to Heloise(at)Heloise.com with “Foam Boxes” in the subject line. Can’t wait to print your suggestions! — Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: When an old towel, washcloth or T-shirt is ready for the rag box, I tear or cut it somewhere to indicate it’s to be used for cleaning. Then when I launder it, it doesn’t accidentally go back in drawers or the linen closet with the newer items. — Sherry G. in Alabama

DEAR HELOISE: I notice that a lot of new restaurants have a more open floor plan. I don’t like being seated next to the “open air” kitchen. Whenever I sit there, it seems like most of the wait staff gathers in the “doorway” and stares at you as they wait to serve others. It makes for a very awkward dining experience. — Lydia H., via email

And the noise from the kitchen can be deafening! — Heloise

HELOISEis a syndicated columnist with King Features Syndicate, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio 78279-5000, fax 210-HELOISE.